They tried to conquer him in December, they tried again in April, but the world’s top sprinter once more proved untouchable, completing Hong Kong’s coveted Triple Crown.
Ka Ying Rising went around in the Group 1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m) at the ultra-short odds of $1, and while there was little value in the market, the spectacle provided by a champion like this was priceless.
Still only four years old, Ka Ying Rising collected his 13th victory from 15 career starts, with grand goals like The Everest and another Triple Crown bid looming for the next season.
“Every time he comes out here he does something special,” jockey Zac Purton said.
“He’s just getting better and better. What more can you say?”
Ka Ying Rising sat behind the early pace before unleashing a devastating sprint to win by 2¼ lengths, easing up on the line to beat Satono Reve and Helios Express, a repeat of the trifecta from the Group 1 Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) four months earlier where just a length separated the trio.
Trainer David Hayes noted before the race that Ka Ying Rising had improved dramatically since December, predicting next season could be something special.
“He had the perfect prep and the perfect season,” Hayes said.
“Zac said that if they were going slow he’d lead and if they were going fast he’d sit off them.
“He has shown that versatility.”
“He probably got to the front and stargazed today but he got the job done.”
“He’s only four and I think we’ve got a lot to look forward to.”
Joao Moreira guided Satono Reve into second once again, while Helios Express, prepared by John Size, further reinforced the strength of Hong Kong’s best form lines.
“The second horse is probably the second-best sprinter in the world at the moment and Helios Express, what a great horse he’s been this year and I think he’d be a multiple group one winner if he was back in Australia.”